Greetings from the Midwest USA!
Myself and two friends rented an RV in Anchorage in August of 2011 and need some help making plans. We all are very easy going, but never been to Alaska before. Other than getting to AK and picking up the RV, we have no plans. Any suggestions? Obviously we want to see Denali (if mother nature approves) and don't care to spend the whole trip behind the wheel. How many days in Denali should we plan on spending? One friend would like to see Homer or that southern area of AK. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you!!
Alaska in an RV 8 Days, suggestions?
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Just back from Alaska but we were on cruise/land tour which was all arranged for us ( except for 2 days on our own in Homer)
Sounds to me like your plan includes a lot of driving - its a long way from Homer to Denali -
We loved both areas - we did get to see the top of Denali several times which only 10% of visitors do
On our way to Denali we stopped in Talkneetka which I recommend - its a very cute small town, several restaurants worth going to - there is a brew pub with a nice outdoor eating area- its very funky and very Alaskan- we happened to be there on Jul 4 so lots of people in town.
In Denali we took a bus tour to the park- saw at least 5 grizzlies- one was beside the bus right outside my window. Saw cariboo, golden eagle,moose - it was a great day. We also enjoyed visiting Husky Homestead where a 4 time winner of the Iditarod does a presentation of the sled dogs - we got to hold the puppies - it was pretty interesting
So dont spend too much time driving and miss out on the things to do in each area
We also loved Homer - small town with less of the tourist traps we saw in other port cities.
From Homer we took a ferry to Halibut Cove which I highly recommend - had dinner at the Saltry ( reservations required ) It is a beautiful setting - large outdoor dining area with fireplace set into the rocky shoreline, boardwalk takes you to other parts of the community.
Another highlight of our trip was whale watching in Juneau - we saw whales "bubble net feeding" and it was amazing - a group of whales will leap out of the water at the same time with their mouths wide open as they surround a school of fish and then leap through the school to get as many fish as they can.
We spent 2 nights in Homer, 1 night Anchorage, 1 night Talkneetka and 2 nights in Denali, 1 night Fairbanks, flew back to Anchorage - then got on the ship at Seward and cruised to Vancouver - It was a great trip- so much to see
You better get a Milepost and know where the gas stations are. It's a long drive from Anchorage to Denali. Once you get north of Wasilla, you won't see any grocery stores just convenience stores with gas. Talkeetna is a great suggestion. We enjoyed Independence Mine State Park north of Anchorge to get a view of Alaska history.
You might head straight to Talkeetna/Denali and use Anchorage as a place to overnight to break up the long drive to Homer. It's at least 5 hours from Anchorage. The Moose's Tooth pizza is on the outskirts of town convenient to the Seward Hwy - great pizza and beer. Due some advance reconnoitering about where to park the RV and do an overnight.
You'll want to stop at various places along the Seward Hwy because the scenery is incredible. If tide is high, look for whales. (drive to Denali is a lot of nice trees and maybe a glimpse of Mt McKinley/Denali) Hope you have time for a day cruise out of Seward. Seward is on the other side of the Kenai Peninsula from Homer so you'll have to backtrack a bit. As you head to Homer you'll go thru Soldotna which is a good place to stock up if you need any supplies. Seward to Homer about 3 hrs, no stopping.
Homer is artsy but also a top fishing spot. Great views. Not sure if RV can handle the switchbacks to get to the Skyline Drive so approach from the other end. Great view overlooking the airport and bay. The nature cruise over to Soldotna isn't as thrilling as the one out of Seward. Sounds like one of your party might want to fish. You'll see lots of eagles in Homer if you haven't spotted many yet. Homer also has some good restaurants etc.
Because of distances, you will have to spend some time behind the wheel. Check into good hiking areas and any other activities you might like.